U.S. Senate leaders could release the Republicans proposed health care bill as early as today.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Bloomington woman wins SUV after hole-in-one
Sandy Mueller of Bloomington has a new vehicle to transport her golf clubs.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers set to return for special session with budget deadline approaching
Illinois lawmakers will be back in Springfield Wednesday after Gov. Bruce Rauner called them back for a special session.… MORE
Illinois GOP unveils budget compromise
The so-called Grand Bargain in Springfield has been retooled and now Illinois Republicans are rolling out what they are calling the Capitol Compromise.… MORE
Bloomington hits 80 percent recycling rate
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington has hit a milestone in its recycling program: 80 percent participation. “Reaching 80 percent participation from our residents is an impressive milestone for our community. It highlights the importance of sustainable practices to our community,” explained Public Works Director Jim Karch. City manager David Hales told WJBC’s…… MORE
GOP strategist: Comey testimony shows obstruction of justice
Former federal prosecutor and Illinois Republican Party leader Pat Brady said former FBI director James Comey’s testimony was damaging for President Trump.… MORE
Hot air balloon mishap caught on video, tragedy averted at Chatsworth fest
A Pontiac man videotaping hot air balloons at Chatsworth’s Sesquicentennial Celebration feared he was recording a tragedy.… MORE
Myers to take ‘sabbatical’ from coaching after leaving Illinois State
Calling it a sabbatical, Melissa Myers hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching after leaving the Illinois State volleyball program which she led for nine seasons.… MORE
Sen. Brady: No need for special session; Democrats should keep working on budget
State Senator Bill Brady wants lawmakers to turn to Springfield to try to come up with a budget after another missed deadline, but he doesn’t want Gov. Bruce Rauner to call for a special session.
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Barickman: Passing education formula with no budget a ‘joke’
By Eric Stock SPRINGFIELD – While Illinois lawmakers didn’t take any budget votes on deadline day, the state Senate approved a school funding bill, which Republican Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington predicts will never pass. “The joke of the night yesterday is that the Democrats couldn’t come together on an agreement on a budget, yet…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…